In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman recommend five films that, unlike American Dreamz, actually succeed at sharp political satire. Whether through bureaucratic absurdity, bleak humor, or media manipulation, these picks explore what happens when spin, spectacle, and sociopathy collide. Also, we’ll never pass up a chance to talk about Alan Partridge.
Films Discussed:
In the Loop (2009)
Four Lions (2010)
The Death of Stalin (2017)
Thank You for Smoking (2005)
Wag the Dog (1997)
Topics Covered:
Armando Iannucci’s brand of competent chaos (In the Loop, Death of Stalin)
Four Lions as an underrated and fearless political satire
Thank You for Smoking and the fine line between satire and smirking libertarianism
Revisiting Wag the Dog as a film that nails the premise but maybe fumbles the tone
Why American Dreamz tries to say everything but ends up saying very little
Key Takeaways:
Great satire isn’t just about mocking—it’s about knowing exactly where to aim
Tone must match topic: the sharper the critique, the sharper the comedy
Good satire often finds moral rot not just in power, but in its enablers
Anne Heche improves everything she’s in—no further notes
Listener Prompt:
What’s your favorite political satire—and which one totally missed the mark? Let us know using #MovieMemoryMachine or drop your pick in our Discord.
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